32 00... Information On Replacing Steering Gear After Accident Damage: Situation
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 BMW X5 M, 2012 BMW X5 M, 2011 BMW X5 M, and 2010 BMW X5 M. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
In the event of accidents or driving conditions similar to accidents, shocklike loads can cause different types of damage to steering gears. When a steering gear is externally undamaged, it is sometimes only possible to identify damage with great difficulty and with great effort. However, damage of this nature poses an unacceptable risk to the vehicle because it can result in failure of the steering system.
Because of the disproportionate amount of effort involved, it is generally not sensible to check thoroughly all the individual components of the steering gear and as an alternative it is necessary to take into account other components which can be checked more easily.